To First Responders Regarding Interviewing Possible Symptoms of Influenza Symptoms (For all Police, Fire & Emergency Medical Services)
• Request additional information from dispatch when sent to respiratory, sick person and fever related calls if limited initial dispatch information is provided. (ie: sick person)
• Perform initial interview of all patients from at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) away to determine if personal protective equipment (PPE) precautions are necessary.
• Place a mask on all patients with suspected influenza symptoms before approach. Use a surgical mask and/or non-rebreather mask (when oxygen is required).
• Avoid droplet producing procedures whenever possible including nebulizers, bag-valve-mask, suctioning and/or intubation. If bag-valve-masks are needed, use BVMs with HEPA filters whenever possible.
• Recommended PPE for taking care of ill/potentially infected patients includes: gloves and N95 or better respirators. PPE should be donned and doffed according to published guidelines to prevent cross contamination, including faceshield/eye and gown protection when splash or airborne contamination is possible.
• Alert receiving hospital personnel of the possibility of an infectious patient as soon as possible and hold suspected infectious patients in the ambulance until their destination in the hospital is known, rather than immediately moving them into the emergency department.
• Perform a thorough cleaning of the stretcher and all equipment that has come in contact with or been within 2 meters (6.5 feet) with an approved disinfectant, upon completion of the call following CDC interim guidelines for cleaning EMS transport vehicles.
